Nick Pivetta became the last of the high-profile free agent pitchers to reach an agreement this offseason, a backloaded four-year, $55 million contract with the San Diego Padres, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.

The New York Mets are unlikely to improve the rotation via trade, so getting their starters to excel is paramount.

Right-hander Nick Pivetta has agreed to terms with the San Diego Padres on a four-year, $55 million free-agent contract, reports ESPN. According to Jeff Passan, the deal includes opt-outs after the second and third years and is backloaded -- a $3 million signing bonus and just $1 million in salary for the upcoming season.